Former DT Haynesworth needs kidney transplant

[July 11, 2019]  Former Tennessee Titans star defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth announced Wednesday on Instagram he is "in dire need" of a kidney transplant and is looking for a donor.

Haynesworth, 38, posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed with a long message reading, "Well, this is hard for me to say, but my doctors said I should reach out to my family, friends and fans.

"Some of you may know I've been battling kidney disease for a few years... now the time has come family, friends and fans, I'm in dire need of a kidney... mine have finally failed me on July 7 2019. It's hard to believe from being a professional athlete to only 8 season(s) in retirement that my body has taken another major blow.

"First with the brain aneurysm 3 seasons out of the NFL to now my kidneys failing me. But the bright side of this latest ordeal I can ask for help by asking for someone to generously donate a kidney. If you are interested in giving this precious gift please call Vanderbilt at 615-936-0695 and hit option 2. GOD BLESS thank you for your prayers and thanks for sharing this message."

Haynesworth revealed in a 2016 Nashville radio appearance that he'd had a brain aneurysm two years earlier.

The 15th overall pick in the 2002 draft, Haynesworth spent the first seven years of his career with the Titans, earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors in his final two seasons. He parlayed those campaigns into a record-setting, seven-year, $100 million deal with the Washington Redskins in March of 2009.

Washington Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth (92) looks over his notes on the sidelines during the third day of their NFL football training camp in Ashburn, Virginia July 31, 2010. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Haynesworth played just three seasons after that, appearing in 20 games with Washington, six with New England and seven with Tampa Bay before retiring after the 2011 season. He finished with 30.5 sacks in 123 games (92 starts).

(Field Level Media)

[© 2019 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2019 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.